Archaeology and Entomology in the Eastern Mediterranean

Description

This work examines fossil insects from the excavation of Late Bronze Age Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece, and from an Egyptian site of Roman age, Mons Claudianus. Insect samples from ancient Egyptian botanical material and coprolites from Tut’ankhamun’s Workmen’s village are also discussed. As most of the insect material studied was recovered from stored products, the accounts of Classical writers on foodstuff storage are discussed in detail. A study of the archaeoentomology of the Bronze Age settlement excavated on Santorini follows. The insect fauna of the settlement is considered, most of it recovered from the West House at Akrotiri. Highlights include the cocoon of a wild silk moth and a model hive, with discussion of the early evidence for silk-weaving and beekeeping. Finally, a summary of trade in perishable material and its importance for the reconstruction of past cultures shows the value of archaeoentomological research.